For the Fall 2024 season, Merrymeeting will be hosting our second annual artist-in-residence program for Maine artists. In fact, we will be supporting two residencies this Fall; one based out of Topsham/Bowdoinham and the other based out of the Bath/Wiscasset region. As our arts community has expanded over the last few years, we have recognized the need to support Maine artists in a more direct way. Maine artists and the local arts communities we serve are the backbone of our cultural footprint. The more we promote them, by developing opportunities to showcase their work, the stronger our communities will be for it.

Eligibility: Any visual artist living and working in Maine may apply. All types of studio practices are welcome. Current students in accredited post-secondary fine art programs are ineligible to apply.

NOTE: AIR application will be emailed directly to you after registration.

Quick Details:

• Partnering Art Gallery: Merrymeeting Arts Center (Topsham/Bowdoinham residency)
• Partnering Art Gallery: Chocolate Church Arts Center (Bath/Wiscasset residency)
• Type of Residency: Day program for working Maine artists (no living space provided, only studio space)
• Length of Residency: 4 weeks (Sept 2024 for Topsham/Bowdoinham residency, Oct 2024 for Bath/Wiscasset residency)
• Studio space for Topsham residency will be at 35 Republic Ave, 04086; Studio space for Bath residency will be at 34 Wing Farm Pkwy, 04530.
• Artist Stipend: $1,000.00
• Materials Stipend: Up to $250.00 (via reimbursement)
• Marketing Budget: Up to $150.00 (used by Merrymeeting)

AIR Artist Commitments:

• Artist Talk (one night) in the 1st week of residency.
• Public Engagement Activity (one night) in the 2nd week of residency.
• Culminating Project (solo show) in the 4th week of residency.
• One-time donation of one piece from solo show to Merrymeeting.

FMI: Contact Jose Rodriguez Jr. at rodriguezj@link75.org

Application period: 2/1-6/1

Kindness is a superpower that every one of us has. We will explore how “intentional acts of kindness” can transform our friendships, relationships, families, workplaces, schools, and politics. We’ll look at the different forms that kindness can take and share our personal experiences with kindness. We’ll explore the creation of our own “personal kindness practices” as well as collective acts of community kindness that are fun, creative, and meaningful. Students will have the chance to experiment with their kindness practices between sessions. We’ll discuss ways to support each other in rising to our kindest selves, including introduction to a wide variety of inspiring readings, films, and talks. This program meets the first Tuesday of every month between March and August 2024. The workshop fee includes access to all monthly meetings. Attending every meeting is not mandatory; feel free to participate when you can.

BECOME A PREMIER MEMBER TODAY! Join the Merrymeeting PREMIERE Membership Club for only $25! *membership fee is annual.

Membership benefits include:

Early Access: Premier members receive our catalogs digitally prior to public distribution, for exclusive early access to class schedules and offerings (actual registration still limited to public release).

Loyalty Program: Premier members receive 25% off every 6th class they take with Merrymeeting (applies to all classes under $100, excluding certain programs).

Catalog Opportunity: Premier members may submit announcements in our future catalogs, as we are dedicating a page for announcements by our Merrymeeting Premiere members. (restrictions apply, contact us directly for details).

Discount Offer: Premier members receive a 10% discount on any Merrymeeting Youth & Family program (excluding DE and any program over $400; can only be used once annually).

Exclusive Media: Enjoy convenient video workshops, on topics ranging from cooking to meditation, with access to our growing library of media (media library will officially launch May 2023).

Subscription Service: Premier memberships include a free subscription to our latest Merrymeeting Premiere Magazine (exclusive annual online publication emailed directly to club members).

Special Invitations: Premier members will enjoy access to special workshops and events developed especially for them.

Let’s make dumplings! Join instructor Jeff Mao to learn about – and make – a variety of Chinese dumpling styles using Maine ingredients from local farms and producers. Try your hand at making three different kinds of dumpling dough with Maine Grains flour – and then use those doughs to make three kinds of dumplings: steamed, boiled and steam-fried. Mix up some pork and shrimp filling and learn a variety of folding techniques before cooking up your dumpling creations. And, of course, spend a little time making dipping sauces to accompany them! We'll provide all the ingredients, materials and equipment, plus recipe sheets and product lists to take home.

Improve your skills with drills and coaching during play. Work on third shot, net play, consistency, and strategy. Please bring your own paddles. All classes will be held on the Pegasus Courts' at 126 Pegasus Street at Brunswick Landing. Instructor Barbara Rondeau is a former tennis pro who took up Pickleball 7 years ago and has been teaching ever since. *For Session II: No Class 5/27.

Learn the basics of the fast growing sport of Pickleball. Easy to learn well enough in a short time to have fun, get exercise, fresh air and find people to play with. Paddles are provided for classes. All classes will be held on the Pegasus Courts' at 126 Pegasus Street at Brunswick Landing. Instructor Barbara Rondeau is a former tennis pro who took up Pickleball 7 years ago and has been teaching ever since. *For Session II: No Class 5/27.

***Please note that the date for this workshop has changed. The new date is Monday May 20th.

Explore the significance of knives as essential tools throughout history, used for cutting, carving, and shaping materials. While knives remain crucial in the modern era, many have limited their use to the kitchen. Rediscover confidence and resilience by mastering basic knife safety and carving skills. This course offers a comprehensive understanding of knives, guiding students to create practical utensils. Students will make a fine pair of chopsticks and/or a jam spreader. Next, try to make a spinning top! We’ll cover safety, techniques, good form, and various basic carving projects using a variety of green woods.

Unleash your inner artist with the sun as your paintbrush! This beginner-friendly cyanotype workshop will demystify the fascinating world of alternative photography and guide you through every step of creating your own stunning, sun-kissed prints. We'll break down the science behind cyanotype, safely mix and prepare the light-sensitive chemicals, and walk you through applying them to paper. Then, it's time to let the sun do its magic! We'll explore different ways to expose your artwork, from using leaves and objects to creating layered effects. The fun doesn't stop there, experiment with stencils and botanical specimens for unique creative possibilities. Most materials will be supplied for this workshop! Please bring scissors, 1' to 2" flat paintbrush and any special papers or fabrics you would like to use. This workshop is 2 Days: 5/21 + 5/28. There is a $50 materials fee, payable to the instructor on the first night of class, you will keep the contact print frame at the end of class and any leftover solution.